Are you dreaming of a surf holiday in Indonesia? With over 17,000 islands to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. Should you follow the masses of tourists to Bali and fight for waves with a million other surfers? Or should you seek a quieter island where you can ride amazing waves while still “getting away from it all?” If the latter sounds more appealing, we have the answer you’re looking for: Rote Island, Indonesia. Keep reading to learn why surfing Rote Island belongs on your holiday bucket list!
What Should I Know About Rote Island?
Many visitors say that the Rote Island experience is comparable to Bali 20 or 30 years ago. It has everything you’d expect in a perfect Indonesian holiday — without the crowds.
Here you can surf, snorkel, sail, kayak, and do yoga to your heart’s content, set against a backdrop of white sand beaches and impossibly clear waters. In fact, the only thing that explains why this island paradise remains mostly undiscovered is its remote location.
Rote Island lies in the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, about 300 miles (500 km) northwest of Australia. The locals are relaxed, friendly, and welcoming to foreigners. The climate is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures hovering between 75F (24C) and 86F (30C).
Most importantly, Rote offers world-class waves at its amazing surf spots scattered across the island. You’ll hear a lot about big wave surfing during the wintertime swell, but don’t worry — Rote is a great spot for beginner surfers too!
Surfing Rote Island: When, Where, and How?
Now that you’ve been introduced to Rote, let’s discuss the details of your surfing holiday. Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect getaway.
When to Visit
As mentioned above, the weather is sensational year-round, so there’s never a “bad” time to visit Rote. If you want to catch some waves, though, you should time your trip according to your surfing ability.
The dry season (AKA “peak” surf season) in this part of the world runs from May to November. The winds blow from South Africa across the Indian Ocean towards Australia, sending beautiful swells crashing into the Indonesian islands. The largest waves usually arrive between August and October, often reaching heights of 6-7 meters (19-23 feet).
During the wetter summer months (December to March), the winds and the waves die down. These calmer conditions are ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers who aren’t yet ready to ride the big waves.
Where to Surf
Where should you go to experience the best waves on Rote Island? Here are our recommendations:
- T-Land (Besialu Reef): long, consistent left-handed break, best for intermediate to advanced surfers
- Squealers: the island’s easiest waves with both right and left breaks, best for beginners
- Sucky Mamas: a hollow right-hand wave, ideal for advanced surfers
- The Bombie: left and right breaks above a strong current, only suitable for advanced surfers
- Boa: right-hand waves that feature a perfect tube, best for advanced surfers
You’ll find many great resorts clustered around T-Land, which makes sense: It offers the longest and most consistent waves in Indonesia. There are other amazing surf spots too, so your best bet is to rent a motorbike or hire a boat, get out there, and explore the island!
How to Get Here
To reach Rote Island, you’ll first need to catch a flight to Kupang in West-Timor. It’s a well-connected airport with daily flights from Bali, Jakarta, and other major destinations.
From Kupang, you have two options. You can either take a 20-minute flight or a 2-hour express ferry boat. Both cost approximately the same amount, so it’s up to you whether you want to travel by air or by sea.
Preparing for Your Surf Holiday in Rote
Has all this talk of riding waves got you stoked for your trip? Let’s round out our discussion with a checklist of everything you’ll need for your surfing holiday.
If you’re bringing your own surf equipment, you’ll need to pack:
- Surfboard
- Surfboard bag
- Surf wax
- Leashes
- Surfboard fins and keys
- Ding repair kit
If you don’t have your own stuff (or don’t want to travel with it), no worries! You can easily rent all of the above at one of the many resorts and surf shops scattered across the island.
As for your personal effects, be sure to include these items on your packing checklist:
- Swimsuits
- Board shorts
- Rashguard
- Reef booties
- Sunscreen (lots of it!)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Earplugs
- First aid kit
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Beach towel
- Casual wear (t-shirts, shorts, sundresses)
- Fast-drying travel towel
- Day bag
- Dry bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Socket adaptor
- GoPro or waterproof camera
Depending on how much space you have in your luggage, you may also want to include fun “extras” like a hammock, binoculars, or yoga mat.
Another item you’ll definitely want to pack? Your alarm clock! Resist the urge to hit the snooze button, as you might miss out on the best waves of the day.
Book Your Stay at the Best Resort in Rote Today
If Rote Island wasn’t on your radar before, now you know why it should be.
It’s a hidden gem in the truest sense of the word — an island paradise tucked away from the outside world. Most importantly, it offers some of the most consistent waves in Indonesia, making it the ideal destination for surfers.
The only question now is: Where will you stay during your getaway?
If you’re looking for the best hotel in Rote, Seed Resort delivers. We offer boutique bungalows and surfer lofts just a few steps away from the island’s best waves. We strike the perfect balance between eco-friendly and barefoot luxury, making us the go-to choice for families, honeymooners, backpackers, and more.
Click here to learn more about our luxurious accommodation, as well as current specials and packages. We can’t wait to welcome you to our little slice of surfing paradise!